How Acid Levels Affect Your Teeth: Protecting Your Smile | Meade Family Dentistry
Acid levels in your mouth play a crucial role in the health of your teeth. Both high and low acid levels can contribute to tooth decay, making it important to understand how these levels fluctuate and affect your enamel. At Meade Family Dentistry [https://benicia.dental/] in Benicia, we want to help you understand the relationship between acid levels and tooth decay, so you can take steps to protect your smile.
HOW ACID LEVELS AFFECT YOUR TEETH
The natural pH of your mouth is slightly acidic, but it can fluctuate depending on the foods and beverages you consume. Here's how acid levels in the mouth influence tooth health:
* HIGH ACID LEVELS: When the mouth becomes too acidic, it can weaken tooth enamel. This softening of the enamel makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. Acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, citrus fruits, and sports drinks, can trigger these harmful acid spikes.
* LOW ACID LEVELS: If the acid levels in your mouth are too low, it can lead to demineralization of your teeth. This creates the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to thrive and cause further damage.
THE ROLE OF BACTERIA IN ACID PRODUCTION
While foods and drinks contribute to acid buildup, bacteria naturally present in your mouth also play a significant role in this process. Certain bacteria, such as _Streptococcus mutans_, produce acids as part of their metabolism. If the population ...
